Pro-Makhado member arrested

The Limpopo Police have announced two more arrests in connection with the recent violence in Vuwani; these arrests took place on Tuesday.

The violence crippled the economy of the region after a total shutdown, and more than 20 schools were torched during the protests in the area. The protests followed the decision by the municipal demarcation board to merge the area of Vuwani with Malamulele for a new municipal entity in Vhembe.

There has been chaos in the area for months since the total shutdown imposed by the residents to show their disapproval against the government's move.

The latest arrests are allegedly those of known Pro Makhado Task Team leaders. The exact location of where they were arrested and the circumstances surrounding their arrest were not immediately made available to the media. The two face charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and incitement to commit violence.

One of the suspects is aged 34, while the other's age is still to be confirmed.

The latest arrests bring the number to more than 30 since the start of the police's clean-up operation. The two are expected to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court today (Friday).

Meanwhile, eight suspects from the Vyeboom area appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday and were charged with public violence. Limpopo police spokesperson Col Ronel Otto said members investigating the violence in Vuwani were following leads on a suspect who was wanted in connection with the burning of a TLB grader belonging to the local municipality in previous protest action. While tracing the man, Nthatheni Mudau (24), members of the community intervened and tried to prevent the police from arresting the man. Eight people were then arrested, along with Mudau.

He appeared in court on Monday and was charged with arson and malicious damage to property while the other eight were charged with public violence, defeating the ends of justice and interfering with police duties. The eight are Lufuno George Netshisengani (32), Mashudu George Mudau (27), Lufuno Innocent Malatji (22), Ntshengedzeni Patrick Mashavhela (35), Ronewa Roddick Tshidumo (20), Ompha Donald Musolwa (18), Adam Mukhadi (19) and Thomas Mukwevho (32).

Their case was postponed to 20 June for further investigations and they will remain in custody.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba expressed her disappointment about the actions of members of the community and once again urged them to work with the police and not against them.

Date:20 June 2016

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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